President Donald Trump's announcement to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program has both conservatives and liberals divided. The program was first introduced by former President Barack Obama to help ensure documentation for children who illegally immigrated to the United States with their families. Those who oppose the Trump administration's latest decision claim the reversal is unfair to the roughly 800,000 immigrants who are affected by DACA, many who identify as American. Nearly 900 of those people are currently serving in the U.S.
Military or have signed contracts, according to the Pentagon.
DACA and the military
So what happens to the hundreds of immigrants who are active or future military members? If Congress doesn't get its act together in the next six months, it is still unclear what may happen to them.
A spokesperson for the Pentagon says that there are currently less than 900 individuals in the military or that have signed contracts to serve. He pointed out that the individuals are part of the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) Pilot Program. According to the Pentagon, the Department of Defense is in contact with the Department of Homeland Security to assess any impact the policy change may have on DACA recipients.
The Pentagon says that it is up to DHS to handle issues related to immigration, naturalization or citizenship.
USA Today reported that Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, "We have confidence that Congress is going to step up and do their job ...This is something that needs to be fixed legislatively, and we have confidence that they’re going to do that."
A reassuring Trump?
Trump took to Twitter on Thursday to try to reassure the thousands of DACA recipients and tell them 'not to worry.'
For all of those (DACA) that are concerned about your status during the 6 month period, you have nothing to worry about - No action!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 7, 2017
The vague tweet contradicts the Trump administration's recent series of talking points advising DACA recipients to self-deport.
Homeland Security push DACA to prepare to relocate
"The Department of Homeland Security urges DACA recipients to use the time remaining on their work authorizations to prepare for and arrange their departure from the United States - including proactively seeking travel documentation - or apply for other immigration benefits for which they may be eligible,” a document released by the White House reads.
The announcement from the White House also coincides with Trump's decision to no longer allow transgender individuals to serve in the military. Trump cited "tremendous" medical costs for transgender people and that it is a financial burden the U.S. military cannot take on.
